There’s been plenty of speculation regarding Joe Burrow and his status with the Cincinnati Bengals long-term.
A late-season press conference in 2025 spelled what many to believe a writing on the wall that Burrow wanted out. Not only from the Bengals, but from the game of football altogether.
Burrow would later backtrack those statements, sounding more committal to football and to the Bengals. Still, the feeling that he may not want to stick around Cinci for much longer lingers large.
2026 will be a telling season for Burrow and his desire to stay with the organization. It feels like the team needs to win to keep him around. This begins with Burrow staying healthy, and the Bengals trying to construct a legitimate defense.
Colin Cowherd Sends Clear Message to Joe Burrow and the Bengals
GettyCINCINNATI, OHIO – DECEMBER 14: Joe Burrow #9 of the Cincinnati Bengals throws a pass during the third quarter against the Baltimore Ravens at Paycor Stadium on December 14, 2025 in Cincinnati, Ohio. (Photo by Jason Miller/Getty Images)
In a recent installment of The Herd, Colin Cowherd made his thoughts know on what he sees happening in the future between Burrow and the Bengals.
“I think Burrow misses the playoffs again, and he’s moving. I think he’s just gonna say ‘I’m out’. And I think he’ll say ‘call the Rams, I’m going to McVay. Call the Niners’.
It’ll be one of these Kevin O’Connell, McVay, high end offensive coaches. You’d think Cincinnati would be embarrassed by it? That you have Joe Burrow and you can’t get into the playoffs? That would be kind of embarrassing. It speaks upstairs, not to Burrow.”
There’s no doubt that this would be an absolute embarrassment for Cincinnati. They are five years removed from their Super Bowl appearance with Burrow, and haven’t come close to returning in four years.
Burrow isn’t getting any younger, as he turns 30 this December. It wouldn’t be crazy to think he would want to capitalize on the prime years of his career with a team that’s established and suited to make a run.
Cincinnati Named Top Landing Spot for Leo Chenal
GettyGLENDALE, ARIZONA – AUGUST 09: Linebacker Leo Chenal #54 of the Kansas City Chiefs warms up during the NFL Preseason 2025 game at State Farm Stadium on August 09, 2025 in Glendale, Arizona. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
The message comes from ESPN’s Matt Bowen. Bowen put together a list of the best landing spots for his top 50 free agents this offseason.
He claims that these Bengals are the best fit for linebacker Leo Chenal, an impressive linebacker with playoff experience with the Chiefs.
“With his ability to pressure and walk up into the front, Chenal would give defensive coordinator Al Golden more flexibility within his game plans. In four seasons with the Chiefs, Chenal recorded 193 total tackles, seven sacks and 28 pressures.”
Chenal would be a welcome presence on a defense needing a lot of help. Is he a name that brings superstar status with it? No, he’s not. However, the Bengals need all the help they can get when trying to stop opposing offenses.
There’s zero doubt the Bengals need to be aggressive on the defensive side of the ball this offseason. It very well could be the difference between Joe Burrow staying or going after the 2026 season concludes.
